BC

More police calls to schools

Teachers in Victoria say there has been an increase in police calls to classrooms since officers were pulled from the school district.

In April, Victoria Police Chief Del Manak shuffled all three of Victoria and Esquimalt’s resource officers — who provide hands-on duties at schools in the two municipalities — to more traditional positions.

"It’s about establishing relationships and viewing police as positive," teachers' association president, Jason Gammon told CTV News. "This is just another example of cuts to public education and when we see those cuts, no matter where they come from, it’s going to negatively affect students."

The move was made due to an increase in call volume and budget constraints.

Esquimalt mayor Barb Desjardins told CTV News she is disturbed by the increase in police calls to schools. She said she would present the teachers' concerns to the police board the next time they meet.